Prophecy Update Newsletter
IN TODAY'S NEWSLETTER...
Globalism and The Abomination of Desolation - By Joseph Chambers - www.pawcreek.org
Genesis 1:26-28 "And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth. So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them. And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth." The whole idea of a "One World Order" is an evil design that Satan has dreamed from the beginning. He wants a system under his control that no one can resist. The liberals in America have no idea of the foolishness this scheme really represents. Man was not made to be ruled by dictators and big government. You put most people in a position to control the lives of others, and they become controlling freaks. Every man or woman is responsible for their own life and choices. You were created by God Himself to be godlike and to walk a responsible path. Study the Bible to learn of this satanic design. The Antichrist is Satan's last effort to rule the world. This design wants to put you in his control, and he will give you liberties until he rules. Then he will destroy you. That's his ultimate goal. Jesus spoke, as recorded in Matthew 24, of this hour so dark that he called it "The Abomination of Desolation." We already know what an abomination is, but to call it an "abomination of desolation" is a giant step further into despair and darkness. I do not believe there is one voice today declaring how horrible this hour will be. In fact, I'm not sure it is possible to truly explain this coming desolation. It will begin when the Antichrist has so wooed the world that he produces a living statue of himself and then displays that statue in the Holy of Holies of the newly-built Jewish temple in Jerusalem. Not only will he display his image, but he will command the world to worship this image. The image will be given an identification (number or name) and all the kingdom of the Beast will gladly bow before this mighty person identified in the image. The Antichrist will not be satisfied to be worshiped by those that promote his kingdom, but will now require the whole world to surrender. Daniel had called the new god that this abomination of desolation represents, "The God of Forces." Remember the film series, Star Wars, and its emphasis on "the force." All of the world is being prepared to worship this false image and the "force" that will quickly be displayed. It is still a mystery to us. We see a new religious world, and it is evidence that something is strangely different. It is biblically called, "god of forces." The Deep Sorrows of the Abomination of Desolation
THE GOD OF FORCES AND HIS ANTICHRIST ARE QUICKLY REPLACING JEHOVAH GOD IN SO-CALLED "CHRISTIAN" CIRCLES. Man is at the center of this new theology. It is a synchronizing of New Age thought, psychology and theology. It is also a subtle change from the Western mindset of God acting in all His transcending sovereignty to an Eastern mindset where God is subject to human whims and man-centeredness. It's God with a little "g" and man with a capital "M." Robert Schuller's book, Self-Esteem: A New Reformation, was partially introduced by Dr. David Burns, Associate Professor of Psychiatry at the University of Pennsylvania, with these words: "I have been reviewing with great interest your new book, Self-Esteem: The New Reformation.... It is surprising how our minds have come to a similar position-you have pursued a religious route, and I have pursued a scientific path, and we have both arrived at the same bottom line: Unconditional self-esteem, self-love that doesn't have to be earned, because it is given. I believe that the vision that forms the core of most religious thinking has to do with joy. From a psychiatric point of view, I would say man's deepest flaw is to mistrust himself and to withhold love and self-acceptance..." Psalm 23 "The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever." David Spangler, a name recognized in educational circles, has become a champion in the world of the psychologists and New Age thinkers. In his book, Revelation: The Birth Of A New Age, he presents this new deity and describes his action in the evolutionary process: "The Christ is eternally the agent of rebirth throughout creation. He is the universal power and life that prevents stagnation, that invokes and nourishes growth and continuous unfoldment. He unites with the consciousness of what is and what has been, and through that union gives birth to the consciousness of what can be and shall be. The life of the new is the life of the old that has been transformed, through some degree of union with the Christ, into a greater fulfillment and expansion. In the presence of Christ, the past and the future become fused lovingly, creatively into the reality of manifestation in the living Now. Thus, the Cosmic Christ united with the consciousness of the Earth Logos, in which were sunk the foundations of Earth and its past development and future potentials" (Spangler, 1979, p. 130). The teaching of the New Age personalities differs very slightly from the new leaders in charismatic and religious circles. They say the same things but use different terminology. In both camps God is treated with a little "g." The center of thinking is man, and the "god" or "christ" in them is the basis of their theology or psychology. Please notice several words in Spangler's statements. Both New Agers and the new religious leaders use the term, "freedom of expression." Choreographed dancing is called "freedom of expression." The terms, "greater fulfillment" and "expression," are used equally by both groups. Instead of losing ourselves in surrender, which is the New Testament basis for discipleship, it's now finding fulfillment in being "me." As one well-known person wrote, "I've gotta be me!" "New consciousness" is the key statement of New Agers and the new religious leaders. At a PTL conference just before the fateful fall, Rev. Tommy Reid, a leading Charismatic, said, "We have discovered a new world view, and we are not returning to the old views" (Paraphrased from a conference to discuss Dave Hunt's book, Seduction of Christianity, PTL Conference Center, Charlotte, NC). There are several other expressions in the short quote of Mr. Spangler that are parallel to the new theologies of our modern preachers. If your church is a new free-style congregation, check the next few sermons for similar words tucked throughout the message. Faith teachers have raped one of the Bible's most powerful words. "Faith" no longer means "the Faith" (sum total of all biblical truth) or "trust" in God's promise, but man's creative ability to produce miracles just like God performs them. Since man is a "little god," they say, he is a creator also, and his faith can cause miraculous things to happen. Paul Yonggi Cho said, "You can incubate a miracle in your mind." This is raw Hinduism and turns God into a puppet manipulated by man. This is the new "beast of a god" being readied for the Antichrist's "One World Order." Worship Styles: New Age Seduction! The new styles of worship filling our churches are straight from the New Age subculture. They have written the script. I visited a New Age setting in a Methodist church approximately 30 years ago and watched the choreographed dancers seduce the worshipers to this "new consciousness." The human mind is a powerful part of our person and capable of transforming our entire system of thought by ingesting impulses, which unite ideas and emotions. It appears to me that this should be labeled soulical, and is the opposite of true spirituality. One is clearly limited to man and his environment, while true spirituality opens up our heart to communion with Jesus Christ, our Savior, and Jehovah God. The first is used by Satan to gain control of men's lives, while the second is the center of man's God-given spirit and can be the door to an indescribable relationship with Him. There are numerous efforts to create all kinds of new experiences called worship, but the most prominent at this time is choreographed dancing, drama, and mime. Satan has always used human celebration connected with dance, art, drama, and music to break open the human psyche and then invade the personality with his influence and control. This was how the Babylonians made paganism a world religion and controlled the masses. A recent article in Charisma Magazine (propaganda voice for radical Charismatics, Kingdom Dominion theorists, and other aversions from Classical Pentecostals) gave great coverage to Earl Paulk, Jr. (Harvester Church, Atlanta, GA. and presently fully discredited) and his effort to restore the arts of the church. This man, who lost his minister's license in the Church of God for fornication, represents the most radical form of heresy in Charismatic circles. I guess it's fitting that he is the voice for choreographed activity in our modern churches. These strange activities are introducing people to a new god unknown to the sheep, who are following these new mindless shepherds. Proverbs 21:1-3 "The king's heart is in the hand of the Lord, as the rivers of water: he turneth it whithersoever he will. Every way of a man is right in his own eyes: but the Lord pondereth the hearts. To do justice and judgment is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice." Daniel described this new god 2,500 hundred years ago and warned that he would be the choice of this brutal beast: "And the king shall do according to his will; and he shall exalt himself, and magnify himself above every god, and shall speak marvelous things against the God of gods, and shall prosper till the indignation be accomplished: for that that is determined shall be done. Neither shall he regard the God of his fathers, nor the desire of women, nor regard any god: for he shall magnify himself above all. But in his estate shall he honour the God of forces: and a god whom his fathers knew not shall he honour with gold, and silver, and with precious stones, and pleasant things. Thus shall he do in the most strong holds with a strange god, whom he shall acknowledge and increase with glory: and he shall cause them to rule over many, and shall divide the land for gain" (Daniel 11:36-39). This new religion is not new at all but simply disguised in modern garb. The new idol in charismatic circles is Benny Hinn of Texas. In a recent television program, I watched as he performed for his audience. One unsuspecting gentleman approached and asked for the power of God. As Mr. Hinn trembled with his right hand in distortion, he asked: "Are you sure you want the power of God?" "Yes," came the reply. "But are you sure?" he asked again. "Yes!" Mr. Hinn, with great emotion, flung his hand toward the man. There was no apparent contact. The gentleman appeared to be miraculously jerked up and flung to the floor with a great power. The atmosphere was charged with powers from the god of forces, fleshly titillation. Discerning Between Fleshly Titillation and God's Power! Is this the power of God, or is it the "god of forces?" Only the Bible can really answer this question. Paul stated, "And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God. For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified. And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling. And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power" (1 Corinthians 2:1-4). What was the demonstration of the power in biblical days? There was great conviction of sin, of judgment, and an awesome turning from the world to godliness and a Christ-centered, cross-bearing lifestyle. There were also tremendous miracles, where sickness and evil spirits were broken from human lives. Great change was wrought in the people. However, none of the demonstrations we see in today's mass televangelism was evident. Biblical precedence does not allow for the extreme emotionalism we are now witnessing. The difficulty, however, is that the line between great demonstrations of life-changing Holy Ghost power and cheap manipulation is not easy to discern. It's important that we don't rule out genuine excitement and spiritual worship while we identify the extremes. As a pastor, I would never touch, nor desire to touch, anything in human expression that isn't honorable, sincere, and truly praises the Lord. But, anything that focuses attention on an actor performing for the people or on a type of mass hysteria, where emotions are inflamed by cheap psychology, must be rejected and stamped out. There is unquestionably a fine line between the work of the Holy Spirit and the work of deceiving spirits. The gift of discernment was given to the church to forever maintain the difference. We must use the wisdom and discernment imparted by that gift without fear or embarrassment. I'm sick of hearing these impostors in Pentecostal and Evangelical circles being protected in the name of Christian unity. It is not Christian unity to protect "false prophets;" it is "biblical irresponsibility." Revelation 2:14-15 "But I have a few things against thee, because thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balac to cast a stumbling block before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication. So hast thou also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitanes, which thing I hate." Religious Leaders Corrupted By Flattery! Prophets of God have always been men who have obeyed God without compromise. What the world states about them may hurt their heart, because they care about souls; but it doesn't intimidate them. They won't bend, bow, or burn. Daniel warned that this season of Antichrist influence would be evident by covenant breakers, who would sell their souls for a mess of pottage. He said, "And such as do wickedly against the covenant shall he corrupt by flatteries: but the people that do know their God shall be strong, and do exploits" (Daniel 11:32). Satan's henchmen are ever ready to confirm the individual who starts apostatizing in his new freedom. They will flatter you with every imaginable compliment. Anytime worldly Christians or unconverted people start bragging on you, something is wrong. If you don't reject it immediately, you will be hooked by its influence. Very few ministers or laypersons appear to be willing to stand up against this religious crowd. They are intimidating, to say the least. While they spout openness, you will notice that this openness does not include us uncompromising Fundamentalists. Bible-believers are a threat to their control and their "new consciousness." The very spirit of this mindset is satanic, and any person who opposes them will be marked. First, they will seek to change you by "flatteries." The pressure that will be directed toward an outspoken fundamentalist is indescribable. If flattery doesn't work, then efforts will be made to destroy his or her character. Lies and distortion are acceptable tools if these can accomplish their goal. I know because I have been through both stages. Paul the Apostle described this scenario for our warning, "Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition; Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God. Remember ye not, that, when I was yet with you, I told you these things? And now ye know what withholdeth that he might be revealed in his time. For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way. And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming: Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness" (2 Thessalonians 2:3-12). Please notice several key things in Paul's warning. He admonishes us to not be "deceived by any means." He then states that the Antichrist will oppose and exalt himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God." He does it by deception. He replaces God with himself without the people realizing what's happening. How does he do it? He replaces the God of biblical reality with the "god of human forces." Paul states, "Even him whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish because they received not the love of the truth that they might be saved"(2 Thessalonians 2:9-10). The words "power, signs, and lying wonders" are expressive of this new god. But, notice these "forces" are set in contrast to the words, "because they received not the love of the truth." Simply, they love fleshly titillation, an exciting display of signs and wonders, more than they love truth. A minister with a big display of so-called miracles will draw thousands, while godly ministers of truth will be preaching to a remnant of the faithful. You may want to notice that the miracles in these mega centers are always the kind that cannot be confirmed. The real supernatural miracles are still happening quietly in inconspicuous places. "And for this cause, God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie" (2 Thessalonians 2:11). When you enter a New Age-style church, you take your spiritual life into your own hands. These churches are entertaining and present enough fun things to do to completely inoculate you. They will first "deliver" you from all past "restrictions." One of the first steps in freeing people from convictions of godliness and holiness is to label them as legalistic and regressive. "You have been in bondage," they will say, but "Jesus (the new Jesus) wants you free." Remember the words of David Spangler, "freedom of expression" and "new consciousness." Everything that feels good and okay to you is permissible in this new environment. According to these new prophets, standards of the Bible were cultural and, therefore, not relevant to today-God/god wants you to be everything you can be by freeing you from all past fetters. It's amazing to see the real results: adultery filling churches, effeminate men and masculine women on the organ bench and in the choir and singing groups, cigarette smokers servings as ushers, and every expression of the world in the church. There is one thing, however, that this new god cannot produce: holiness and righteousness are beyond his capacity. He will create a contrived substitute high on smiles and the Dale Carnegie personality, but woefully lacking in the selfless lifestyle of the "cross of Christ." Missing also will be the unspeakable joy that is evident when someone walks in unhindered discourse with the Lord Jesus Christ. I have found the "pearl of great price" and desire no other. Growing Iranian-Hezbollah Confidence to Take on Israel After ISIS - By Yaakov Lappin - http://www.prophecynewswatch.com/article.cfm?recent_news_id=1673#r1wXW6QOqM4jrDfs.99 A recent speech by Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah contained unusually aggressive statements, calling for the ethnic cleansing of Jews from Israel, and claiming that a future war would lead to Israel's "demise." Nasrallah said that Israeli Jews should "leave and return to the countries from which they came so they are not fuel for any war that the idiotic [Prime Minister Benjamin] Netanyahu government takes them to. ... They will have no secure place in occupied Palestine." The speech echoed rhetoric recently espoused by the Iranian regime and its military officials, who said that Tel Aviv would be "destroyed" if Israel made "a mistake," and that Israel would not survive for more than 25 years. "Israel should remain silent and count down the days to its death, because any minor mistake would lead to its demise as fast as lightning," said Iranian army commander Maj.-Gen. Abdolrahim Mousavi. These threats contain two messages. The first message is a reaffirmation of the Shiite axis' jihadist, ideological, long-term commitment to Israel's destruction. The second message is more immediate; it is an attempt to deter Israeli decision makers from trying to stop Iran and its proxies from taking over Syria. Iran, together with its chief agent Hezbollah and several other Shiite militias, are helping the Assad regime complete its victory in Syria, with the assistance of Russia. This is a victory made possible by the mass murder and terrorization of Syria's Sunni population, and the ensuing mass movement of refugees out of the country. The upsurge in war-like rhetoric towards Israel is a signal of growing Iranian-Hezbollah confidence, fueled by their victories in Syria. Radical Shiite forces -- armed, funded and commanded by Iran -- are now moving into the vacuum left behind by ISIS. Tehran's objective is to turn Syria into another Lebanon: a heavily armed outpost from which Iran can launch attacks against Israel. So far, the international community has shown no interest or willingness to stop this development from happening. Despite the latest bluster, Nasrallah made sure to issue his statements from the safety of his Lebanese bunker -- an indication he still fears Israel's powerful reach. Nasrallah and his Iranian masters have good reason to remain fearful of Israel, because it is the only state that has both the capability and determination to challenge their takeover of Syria. There have been a series of reported Israeli precision strikes on weapons production centers and arms smuggling attempts in Syria. One strike reportedly targeted the Assad regime's Scientific Studies and Research Center (CERS) weapons facility, where chemical, biological and advanced ballistic missiles are developed and manufactured. The targeted facility may have been where Iran tried to hand over powerful weapons to Hezbollah. Israel is running a low profile campaign against the dangerous buildup of Hezbollah's weapons arsenal. These are arms that are produced in Iran and Syria, and trafficked to Lebanon. The Israeli campaign is a thorn in the side of the Shiite axis. There is a wider Israeli warning here: Jerusalem has no intention of sitting on the side and watching Syria turn into an Iranian-Hezbollah base. Israeli leaders are issuing their own warnings, making it clear that provocations by the Shiite axis can lead to devastation. "The next conflict, if it erupts, will have a completely different character. Our enemies will try first to strike our population centers and civilian infrastructure. And if our red lines will be breached, the other side must know in advance that it is going to pay very heavy prices," said Israeli Defense Minister Avigdor Liberman. In addition, Israel has stated that it will not tolerate an encroachment on its border by Iranian or Hezbollah forces operating in Syria. Sunni states like Jordan and Saudi Arabia are equally disturbed by events in Syria. But Israel is the only regional state with the ability to stop the Iranian game plan. Only time will tell whether the world continues to turn a blind eye to the radical Shiite entrenchment in Syria, and leave Israel to deal with this mess by itself. Meanwhile, recent comments by the head of the Mossad, Israel's overseas intelligence service, serve as a timely reminder of the fact that the Iranian nuclear program remains a threat -- and is only temporarily dormant. "Iran continues to possess a vision of having a significant nuclear capability, leading to a military nuclear ability," Mossad chief Yossi Cohen asserted in recent days. Furthermore, "Iran continues to act with increasing aggression in activating military forces and operations in the Middle East, closer to our border than ever, in the Lebanese and Syrian arenas [which are] as one. Iran continues to support Hezbollah, and recently, it is increasingly supporting Hamas. Iran continues to transfer advanced and precise weapons to terrorist organizations in our area," the Mossad chief added. The Mossad, he said, conducts "thousands of operations, some complex and daring, in the heart of enemy states." This not-so-cold war between Israel and the Iranian axis looks set to continue. Lines are being drawn in Syria by both sides. Israel's lines are purely defensive, while Iran and its agents are following a belligerent, encroaching agenda, which threatens to destabilize the entire region. Mr. Trump: Withdraw from the Iran Nuclear Deal - by John Bolton - https://www.algemeiner.com/2017/10/10/mr-trump-withdraw-from-the-iran-nuclear-deal/ President Donald Trump will address US policy toward Iran on Thursday, doubtless focusing on his decision regarding Barack Obama's badly-flawed nuclear deal. Key officials are now briefing Congress, the press and foreign governments about the speech, cautioning that the final product is, in fact, not yet final. The preponderant media speculation is that Trump's senior advisers are positioning him to make a serious mistake, based on their flawed advice. Wishful thinking about Iran's mullahs, near-religious faith in the power of pieces of paper and a retreat from executive authority are hallmarks of the impending crash. In short, Obama's Iran nuclear deal is poised to become the Trump-Obama deal. The media report that the president will not withdraw from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), but instead, under the misbegotten Corker-Cardin legislation, will "decertify" that it is in America's national interest. Congress may then reimpose sanctions, or try somehow to "fix" the deal. Curiously, most of the suggested "fixes" involve repairing Corker-Cardin rather than the JCPOA directly. Sure, give Congress the lead on Iran. What could go wrong? Whatever the problem with Iran, Congress is not the answer. No president should surrender what the Constitution vests uniquely in him: dominant power to set America's foreign policy. In the iconic "Federalist Number 70" essay, Alexander Hamilton wrote insightfully that "decision, activity, secrecy and dispatch" characterize unitary executive power, and most certainly not the legislative branch. President Trump risks not only forfeiting his leading national security role, but paralysis, or worse, in the House and Senate. If Congress really wants to "fix" Corker-Cardin, the best fix is total repeal. The substantive arguments for decertifying but not withdrawing are truly Jesuitical, teasing out imagined benefits from adhering to a deal Iran already treats with contempt. Some argue we should try provoking Iran to exit first, because our withdrawal would harm America's image. This is ludicrous. The United States must act in its own self-interest, not wait around hoping Iran does us a favor. It won't. Why should Tehran leave (or even modify) a deal advantageous beyond its wildest imagination? This "shame" prediction was made against Washington's 2001 unilateral withdrawal from the Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty, and proved utterly false. America's decision to abrogate the hallowed "cornerstone of international strategic stability" produced nothing like the storm of opprobrium Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty adherents predicted. No nuclear arms race followed. Instead, withdrawal left the United States far better positioned to defend itself against exactly the threats Iran and others now pose. Some say that trashing the deal will spur Iran to accelerate its nuclear weapons program to rush across the finish line. Of course, before the JCPOA, Iran was already party to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, which barred it from seeking or possessing nuclear weapons, but which it systematically violated. JCPOA advocates are therefore arguing that although one piece of paper (a multilateral treaty, no less) failed to stop Iran's nuclear quest, the JCPOA, a second piece of paper, will do the trick, with catastrophic consequences if we withdraw. Ironically, these same acolytes almost invariably concede the JCPOA is badly flawed and needs substantial amendment. So they actually believe a third piece of paper is required to halt Iran. Two are not enough. This argument flunks the smile test: Burying Iran in paper will not stop its nuclear program. Iran's ability to "rush" to have nuclear weapons existed before the deal, exists now, and would exist if America withdrew. The director of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran said recently it would take a mere five days for Iran to resume its pre-deal level of uranium enrichment. This rare case of regime honesty demonstrates how trivial and easily reversible Iran's JCPOA concessions were. What alone deters an Iranian "rush" is the threat of preemptive US or Israeli military strikes, not pieces of paper. Nor will US withdrawal eliminate valuable international verification procedures under the JCPOA. In fact, these measures are worse than useless for nonproliferation purposes, although they serve Iran well. By affording the appearance of effective verification, they camouflage Iran's active, multiple violations of United Nations Security Council Resolution 2231: on uranium enrichment levels, advanced centrifuge research, heavy water production and missile programs. The International Atomic Energy Agency recently admitted explicitly it has no visibility whatever into weapons and ballistic missile work underway on Iran's military bases. It is simple common sense that Iran would not conduct easily discoverable weapons-related work at already-known nuclear sites like Natanz and Esfahan. Warhead design and the like are far more likely at military sites like Parchin where the IAEA has never had adequate access. No wonder the IAEA is now barred from Parchin. It is not just weapons-related work the JCPOA fails to uncover. Substantial uranium enrichment production and research are also far more likely at undeclared sites inside Iran or elsewhere, like North Korea. This is the lesson Tehran learned after Israel destroyed the nuclear reactor under construction by North Koreans in Syria in 2007. Nor will abrogating the deal somehow induce Iran to become more threatening in the Middle East or in supporting global terrorism than it already is with the JCPOA in force. Consider Tehran's belligerent behavior in the Persian Gulf, its nearly successful effort to create an arc of control from Iran through Iraq and Syria to Lebanon, threatening Israel, Jordan and the Arabian Peninsula, and its continued role as the world's central banker of international terrorism. The real issue is how much worse Iran's behavior will be once it gets deliverable nuclear weapons. I have previously argued that only US withdrawal from the JCPOA can adequately protect America from the Iranian nuclear threat. Casuistry deployed to persuade President Trump to stay in the deal may succeed this Thursday, but it does so only at grave peril to our country. This is no time to let our guard down. 2017 Feast of Tabernacles Celebration in Jerusalem is Prophecy Fulfilled - By Tuly Weisz - https://www.jpost.com/Opinion/2017-Feast-of-Tabernacles-celebration-in-Jerusalem-is-prophecy-fulfilled-506989#dvv0sf2TfQPWIERP.99 According to statistics from the Ministry of Tourism, in 2016 there were an estimated 47,000 Christian tourists in Israel over Sukkot, and that number is expected to be even higher this year. The presence of these Christian pilgrims should be appreciated not just for the economic boost they provide, but because their participation in the "Feast of Tabernacles" plays a significant role in bringing us Jews closer to celebrating Sukkot the way it is described in the books of the prophets. Sukkot is unique in that the Torah describes both how the holiday was celebrated in the past, as well as a prophetic vision for how it will be observed in the future. The Book of Kings discusses the most magnificent Sukkot in the days of old while the prophet Zechariah describes the future holiday in the end of days. Describing Sukkot festivities separated by millennia, these two passages contain a common theme: the central role of the non-Jew on the Feast of Tabernacles. A young King Solomon began to fulfill his father David's desire to build a home for God in the fourth year of his reign, as described in the Book of Kings. Construction of Solomon's Temple lasted for seven years and concluded in the autumn month of Cheshvan in the 11th year of Solomon's kingdom. Nevertheless, the king let nearly an entire year pass before dedicating the Temple on Sukkot of the 12th year. Apparently, King Solomon delayed 11 months to wait for the perfect moment and the right holiday. One explanation behind Solomon's timing can be culled from the prayer he recited at the dedication ceremony: "Or if a foreigner who is not of Your people Israel comes from a distant land for the sake of Your name... when he comes to pray toward this House, hear in Your heavenly abode and grant all that the foreigner asks You for" (I Kings 8:41-43). From its very inauguration, King Solomon established that the Temple would forever be a "house of prayer for all nations." Indeed, there was no more frenetic a holiday in the Temple than Sukkot, when numerous animals were sacrificed, including 70 offerings on behalf of the 70 nations of the world. The central prayers of Sukkot focused on rainfall, a universal need. Water libations were brought in the Temple with great festivity on Sukkot to beseech the Heavens to provide all nations with sustenance and life. Solomon apparently waited to dedicate the Temple on Sukkot, the universal holiday. The other Biblical passage details a vision for the future Sukkot and again highlights the role of the gentile. The Hebrew prophet Zechariah describes how non-Jews will flock to Jerusalem in the messianic age: "All who survive of all those nations that came up against Jerusalem shall make a pilgrimage year by year to bow to the King Lord of Hosts and to observe Sukkot" (Zechariah 14:16). This verse became the inspiration for the International Christian Embassy Jerusalem to organize a major conference, known as the "Feast of Tabernacles," which has grown substantially in recent years. "We are expecting one of our biggest crowds ever at this year's Feast," said ICEJ president Dr. Jürgen Bühler. "Thousands of Christians are once again being drawn here from all over the world by the dynamic worship experience that surrounds this unique biblical festival. But there also is the added attraction of celebrating the 50-year Jubilee of a reunited Jerusalem and this means we are truly in for a banner Feast." Unfortunately, some of the Christian visitors will hope to use their time in the Jewish State to engage in harmful missionary activity. The ICEJ does its best to prevent this, warning their guests to refrain from such offensive behavior. As a sign of the times we are in - the golden age of Jewish-Christian relations - one Christian leader took a strong position in the days leading up to Sukkot, calling for an end to Christian proselytizing aimed at Jews. Tommy Waller, the founder of the Christian group HaYovel, which organizes volunteers to tend Israeli vineyards in the harvest season leading up to Sukkot, released a sharply worded video just a few days ago. "I would like to appeal to my Christian brothers and sisters: Please stop any missionary attempt to take away Jewish identity from those people whom God chose to carry his name." For Waller, this move away from missionary activity and toward greater respect for the Jewish people represents a personal shift in his own thinking. When asked by Rabbi Eliezer Melamed, Chief Rabbi of Har Bracha, "If a Jew were to come to you and ask, what's better: to be a Jew or a Christian, what would you say to him?" Waller replied, "I would tell him to be a Jew. Although, I didn't always think that way. At first, all Christians want everyone to be Christian, but this position stems from ignorance." Waller represents a new generation of Christian Zionist leaders who reject missionary activity aimed at proselytizing Jews and look to be faithful supporters of the people of Israel in the land of Israel. We are living in a new age of Jewish-Christian relations. Today, thousands of non-Jews flock to Jerusalem as described in the Bible. Today, Christian leaders publicly renounce the centuries-old doctrine of Christian antisemitism. As such, the Jewish community should recognize these positive developments, which would have been unimaginable at any point in our history. King Solomon and the prophet Zechariah would surely rejoice if they could see us in Jerusalem this week, as we celebrate in its 50th year of reunification with so many friends. The presence of thousands of non-Jews who have come to Jerusalem for the holiday enables us to come closer to the true fulfillment of Sukkot. Nearing Midnight: Is God Judging? - Terry James - http://www.raptureready.com/category/nearing-midnight/ Books are published and videos produced that deal with God's judgment upon those who curse Israel. Some put forth that the Lord answers each attempt at forcing the Jewish state to give up land for peace by sending direct violent, natural phenomena-that is, earthquakes, hurricanes, tornadoes, etc. These books and videos are produced by strongly devoted Christians, most for whom I hold considerable respect. They view these correlations between nations dealing with Israel and such geophysical rampages as documentable in every case. Most begin their premises with the familiar pronouncement recorded in Genesis chapter 12: Now the LORD had said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father's house, unto a land that I will shew thee: And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing: And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed. (Genesis12:1-3) Some hold that presidents have paid the price for dealing with the Jewish people in a way that might be viewed as a "curse." for example, Franklin D. Roosevelt died of cerebral hemorrhage after deciding the U.S. would not help in the formation of the Jewish state in its God-given land. Harry S. Truman was made president upon Roosevelt's death in 1945. Truman was raised by a mother who was a strong Christian believer. She instilled in him the biblical truth that Israel is God's chosen people. Truman, in 1948, supported Israel's rebirth, defying most everyone in his cabinet and the U.S. State Department. Thus, some who believe that God deals directly in the matters involving Israel hold that Roosevelt was removed because of his treatment of Israel. Truman, they believe, was blessed because he took Israel's side. In fact, the polls and all political watchers wrote Truman off in the 1948 election, believing New York Governor Thomas Dewey would win the election. Truman's smiling face as he held up a newspaper the morning following the election tells the story, so far as those who think the curse vs blessing applies today are concerned. The headline read "Dewey Wins!" Of course, Truman won against all odds. We know the end of Adolf Hitler and the Nazi regime. They came to their demise in the most ignominious way imaginable. They brought the entire German people down, dividing their nation. Similar disasters have befallen most all who have come against the Jewish race and Israel in a way intended to destroy them. Coming into our day, those who write the books and produce the films point to events that prove their postulation that God deals directly in many cases with anti-Israel actions. George H. W. Bush and his secretary of state, James Baker, held Israel at arm's length, viewing the Jewish state in many cases as the problem in the Middle East. On one occasion, while the Bush Administration was trying to force peace on the region by trying to make Israel give up land, hurricane-force winds drove the Atlantic into the Bush home at Kennebunkport, Maine. The son of Bush 41, President George W. Bush, it is pointed out, by trying to force Middle East peace at Israel's expense, opened the divine door for Hurricane Katrina. That horrific storm occurred at the same time Jewish people were forced to leave their homes within territory won by Israel after the nation was attacked. Many in America were, approximately at the same time, forced to move from storm-stricken areas. Now, what am I saying? Am I, with my commentary title's question, pooh-poohing the proposition that these storms and other disastrous-type occurrences might have any correlation to leaders and nations dealing with God's chosen nation and people? No, as a matter of fact, I have quoted in my own books excerpts from some of the books by those who have written on the matters just mentioned. Most of my inclusion of those quotations have been positive. I do believe there is credence in many cases to the supposition that there is documentable evidence to support these writers' position. However, as I've asked in the title of the commentary: Is God judging? That's a point to consider, because there are inconsistencies. Not every move against the Israeli people or Israel has thus far resulted in such direct judgment. For example, Iran continues to declare their death wish for Israel. The entire U.N. is against the Jewish state-except for a very few. America, herself, was led to be against Israel by the previous administration. There isn't always, or even most of the time, direct, heavenly action against the diabolists who come against Israel. So, Is God truly "judging" at the present time? I will accept that it might merely be a matter of semantics. But, I view these events-the disasters thought to correlate to dealing nefariously with Israel-as not judgments, but warnings-very dramatic warnings in some cases. They are harbingers of things to come. The truly God-directed judgments that are coming are stipulated throughout the old and new Testaments. Revelation particularly lays out the judgments of God in no uncertain terminology. God is going to bring the whole world into the place called Armageddon specifically because of the way the nations of the world have dealt with Israel-with the Jew. For, behold, in those days, and in that time, when I shall bring again the captivity of Judah and Jerusalem, I will also gather all nations, and will bring them down into the valley of Jehoshaphat, and will plead with them there for my people and for my heritage Israel, whom they have scattered among the nations, and parted my land. (Joel 3: 1-2) Punishment or Rewards Await Christians in Heaven? - Glenn Meredith - www.lamblion.com The Promise of Heavenly Rewards Glenn Meredith: I've got to be honest with you. From the early part of my life, I wasn't really excited about the return of Jesus. I remember sitting in a revival meeting one time when I was a teenager. The evangelist actually stood up and said that when Jesus comes He's going to catch away His Bride, and we are going to stand there before the Judgment Seat of Christ. Then your whole life will be flashed onto a giant movie screen and all the sins that you have ever committed will be projected up there on the screen for all to see. And so, I've got to tell you, I certainly wasn't looking forward to that. There are an awful lot of believers who think that's what is coming to them when they get to Heaven. But, I've got great news for you, that is not at all what the Bible teaches. Let's first look at 2 Corinthians 5. I'd like to look at this familiar passage concerning the promise of heavenly rewards. Understand that we have an awful lot to look forward to, for the whole gist of the message can be summed up as this: What you do now in your life for Jesus is going to have a dramatic impact on your eternity. How you live your life for Christ matters. How you served other people in the name of Christ matters. How seriously you take the Kingdom of Christ and move it forward by sharing the Gospel and supporting ministry matters. Everything that you do for Christ will have a profound impact on your eternity. In 2 Corinthians 5:10, the Apostle Paul says, "For we must all appear before the Judgment Seat of Christ," the Bema Seat, "so that each of us may receive what is due us for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad." All my earlier life I saw that passage and I would think, "Okay, I'm going to stand before Jesus at the Judgment Seat, and He is going to talk to me about all the good things that I've done, but also all the bad or sinful things that I have done." I thought the Judgment Seat of Christ was going to be a time when I would have to give an account for my sins. But, I've got great news for you! That is not what this passage teaches. There are several words for "bad" in the original language of the New Testament that can be translated as "evil, morally bad, sinful, wicked, iniquity." But, the word for "bad" that is used in this passage is a different word. The primary meaning of the word translated as "bad" in this passage is something that doesn't mean morally evil, rather, it means worthless. It would be like if we said, "That piece of fruit that I bought is bad." What do we mean by that? We don't mean the fruit is morally evil. We don't mean that it is sinful. No, we mean that the fruit was no good. It has no value, and so it's worthless. We don't want it, so it's time to get rid of it. What the Apostle Paul teaches us in 2 Corinthians 5 is that believers in Christ are going to stand before the Judgment Seat of Christ, which is going to happen just after the Rapture of the Church. We're going to stand before Jesus at the Bema Judgment to be judged not for our sins, but rather, we will be judged for our works that we have done for Christ. These works we performed ever since we gave our lives to Jesus Christ. The works we perform in Christ here on this earth are of value to the Lord, and so will be recognized. Conversely, those works that we have done that are worthless, and so have no genuine eternal value, will be burned up. They will be lost. We are only rewarded for those works that are of value to the Lord. Payment for our Sins Why is it that when we are standing before the Judgment Seat of Christ that somehow we don't have to give an account of our sins? Why is that? Is God just going to overlook our sins? Are we just getting a pass? No, not according to Colossians 2. Scripture says that there was another judgment that took place that acted as a substitute for our judgment. It was when the Lord Jesus Christ, our glorious Savior, hung on the cross. The Bible reveals Christ's sacrifice on the cross cancelled the charge of the legal indebtedness which stood against us, and which condemned us. Jesus took the judgment for our sins by nailing it to the cross. The cross was like the electric chair of the Roman Empire. It was the means of public execution. And so, when a person was crucified, the soldiers would nail to the top of the cross the charges for which that criminal was dying. Then all who walked by and saw the person being executed would know the crimes for which that person was dying. When our Lord Jesus was nailed to the cross, Pilate ordered a similar sign placed, which read, "This is the King of the Jews." But, the Bible says that's not really the crime for which Jesus died. The crimes for which He was dying, according to Colossians 2:14, was that God nailed to the cross the record book of your sin. God nailed to the cross the record of your indebtedness, i.e. your sin debt to God. God nailed it to the cross. And, while Jesus was hanging on that cross, God began to treat Jesus like He would have treated you had you stood before God in judgment for your sins. He turned His back. That is why Jesus cried out, "My God, My God, why have you forsaken Me?" Why? Because at that moment Jesus was answering for my sins. My sins and your sins were judged upon the cross. Because of the blood that Jesus Christ shed for your sins, because of the death that He died in your place, the Bible says that the record book of your sin was taken away, removed, canceled. No more does a record exist of your sins, that is, if you are a child of Jesus Christ. Is that not good news? Rather, that's great news! In fact, if you stood before God, and God then required for your sins to be judged yet again, He would be unjust. And so, Jesus has totally taken care of your sin. So, if you have never given your life to Jesus Christ, I urge you to do so today, because if you will commit your life to Jesus, then your sins will be completely, totally and forever removed and taken away. Because the judgment for our sins have already been nailed to the cross, when the Lord Jesus comes for His Bride, the first thing He's not going to do is beat up on His Bride in judgment. Rather, the first thing He's going to do is reward His Bride. The Bible tells us there is a promise of rewards. There is the hope of being rewarded for our service to Him. Daily Jot: Supreme Court hands Trump travel ban victory - Bill Wilson - www.dailyjot.com The Supreme Court Monday handed the Trump Administration a victory on its travel ban on people from several Muslim-majority countries (translated: terrorist-sponsoring) plus Argentina and North Korea. The cases against President Donald Trump's immigration and refugee ban were much publicized when the politically-charged, left-leaning 9th Circuit and 4th Circuit courts made a national spectacle out of the President's ability to establish and enforce immigration policy. In short, the left's assault on border security has been repelled by the Supreme Court. Notwithstanding, the news media, which is complicit in advocating open borders, refuses to give the decision the same news coverage as the assault. Citing the expiration of a temporary order to restrain Trump from banning entry into the US of people from certain countries, the Supreme Court vacated the lower court's judgment against Trump. The Supreme Court said in a one paragraph Summary Disposition, "...the case is remanded to the United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit with instructions to dismiss as moot the challenge to Executive Order No. 13,780." There is also a case pending in the Ninth Circuit, which will most likely meet a similar fate. While there are additional lawsuits against Trump's travel ban, the Supreme Court has essentially ended the fight, recognizing the President's authority to establish immigration policy. Despite all the media uproar over Trump's travel ban from certain countries that presented a high risk for terrorists, and all the money and time wasted by leftists that sought to undermine America's border security, the law prevailed. The Immigration and Nationality Act of 1952 specifically states in Section 212: "Whenever the President finds that the entry of any aliens or of any class of aliens into the United States would be detrimental to the interests of the United States, he may by proclamation, and for such period as he shall deem necessary, suspend the entry of all aliens or any class of aliens as immigrants or nonimmigrants, or impose on the entry of aliens any restrictions he may deem to be appropriate." The Supreme Court decision moved America back toward the legal principles of border security and treatment of immigrants. Recalling the harsh media reaction to Trump's Executive Orders on banning travel from high-risk terrorist countries, one could have concluded that the President was breaking the law when he was really abiding in it. This is an example of the deception that can be caused by the media pounding its position into our minds day in and day out. Colossians 2:8 says, "Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ." Seek the Word of God and you will stand on the foundation of truth. Daily Devotion: A Reason Not to Fear - By Greg Laurie - www.harvest.org People are born for trouble as readily as sparks fly up from a fire. -Job 5:7 In the months following September 11, 2001, as many as 400,000 New Yorkers suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder or depression. Drug use, both legal and illegal, and alcohol use went up dramatically after that horrific day. It's because people were afraid. And they had good reason to be. John 14 tells us of a time when the disciples were afraid. Jesus had dropped a bombshell on them. He said something that turned their world, as they knew it, upside down. Then He went on to share some words to bring calm to their troubled hearts: "Don't let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me" (John 14:1 NLT). He didn't say, "Mull over your problems." Rather, He said, "Don't be troubled." Life is filled with trouble. It seems as though once you have one problem resolved, three more take its place. As Job 5:7 says, "People are born for trouble as readily as sparks fly up from a fire" (NLT). From the moment we come into this life, there are all kinds of troubles. While there are reasons to be troubled, there is a greater reason not to be: We know Jesus. He said to His disciples, "Trust in God, and trust also in me" (John 14:1 NLT). In other words, "I haven't brought you this far to abandon you now. I know what I'm doing. Believe." There are times in our lives when things happen that we just don't understand. When I don't understand something about God, I try to always fall back on what I do understand: I do understand that God loves me. I do understand that He is looking out for me with my best interests in mind. And I do understand that no matter what happens, He will get me through. FROM THE HEART
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